Often Consigned to the Scrapheap: Why Gen X Should Be Your First Recruitment Choice

At A&E we are all about Age and Experience, because it’s the core of what we sell. This article by Shannon Weber aims to shed light on a huge, invaluable resource that is all too often overlooked or rejected, due to a misconception that businesses must appear “cool” and “dynamic” to succeed.

In today’s workplace, the spotlight often swings wildly between the shiny allure of Gen Z’s tech savviness and the millennial hustle culture. But in that noisy tug-of-war, businesses are overlooking a silent powerhouse that’s been sitting in plain sight: Generation X. The underdog of generational conversations, Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) might not demand the limelight, but they bring something even better—results.

Let’s break it down. If you’re looking to hire or consult, here’s why you should stop scrolling LinkedIn for the next 20-something “visionary” and start appreciating the generation that’s been quietly steering the ship for decades.

1. They Don’t Just Work Hard—They Work Smart

Gen Xers have been grinding since before burnout became a buzzword. Their

careers are built on grit, problem-solving, and good old-fashioned common sense. But more than that, they’ve mastered the art of working smarter, not harder.

This isn’t the generation of endless procrastination or learning on the job—they come prepared. Gen X knows how to hit the ground running, navigate complexities, and make decisions that save time, money, and headaches.

And unlike younger employees glued to TikTok tutorials, Gen Xers are rolling up their sleeves, delivering results, and clocking off on time to enjoy that well-earned Pinot Grigio.

2. Loyal to the Core—Goodbye, Job Hopping

While millennials are busy switching jobs every 18 months and Gen Z is ghosting after three, Gen X has mastered the art of staying power. Hiring someone from this generation means you’re not throwing your recruitment budget into the shredder every year.

They’re here for the long haul. And that means less time onboarding and more time reaping the benefits of their expertise. When you hire Gen X, you’re not just getting an employee; you’re getting a partner in your success.

3. Experience? They Wrote the Manual

Look, no shade to the younger crowd, but when a Gen Xer walks into the room, they bring a resume that could double as a business textbook. These are the folks who’ve weathered recessions, Y2K, and the dot-com bubble. They’ve seen it all—and survived.

This breadth of experience makes them more than employees; it makes them advisors. Whether it’s navigating turbulent markets, building resilient strategies, or managing teams with grace, they’ve been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt (and probably designed it, too).

4. Leadership? They’re Already Doing It

Gen X has been managing people, projects, and profits for years. They’re the ones younger generations turn to when things go south. Need a team lead? Done. Want someone who can steer a meeting without breaking a sweat? That’s them.

And let’s talk mentorship. Gen X employees don’t just lead; they elevate. They’re the ones who’ll coach, guide, and empower your younger hires to hit their stride—without making it all about themselves.

5. Adaptable and Resilient—The OG Survivors

Remember when “pivot” became the buzzword of the pandemic? Gen X practically invented it. This is the generation that adapted from landlines to iPhones, floppy disks to the cloud, and office cubicles to Zoom calls.

Their adaptability makes them ideal for a fast-changing business landscape. Unlike younger workers who are still finding their footing, Gen X thrives in chaos. Give them a problem, and they’ll give you a solution (and probably a backup plan, too).

6. No Fuss, Just Results

Here’s the thing about Gen X—they’re not here for the clout. They’re here to get the job done. They won’t flood Slack with memes or expect a nap pod in the corner. Instead, they’ll deliver results with quiet confidence and a touch of dry humour.

They’re the steady hands in a storm, the ones who don’t need to shout their

achievements from the rooftops because the work speaks for itself.

7. Cost-Effective and Future-Focused

Sure, hiring someone younger might look good on paper, but what about the hidden costs? Job-hopping, inexperience, constant retraining—it adds up. Gen X offers a better ROI.

They’re efficient, low-maintenance, and deliver quality work consistently. Plus, their knack for mentoring means you’ll save on training costs for junior employees.

Hiring Gen X isn’t just smart; it’s strategic. They’re the stabilisers, the doers, the game-changers who’ll help you build a resilient, forward-thinking workforce.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on Gen X

In a world obsessed with trends, Generation X is the timeless classic you didn’t know you needed. They’re the quiet heroes who’ve been holding it all together, the bridge between Boomers and Millennials, and the secret weapon your business has been missing.

So, the next time you’re hiring—or looking for a consultant to untangle your business woes—forget the flash and hire the substance. Hire Gen X. Because when it comes to experience, resilience, and results, nobody does it better.